OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 10, 2008) – Health Canada is advising consumers not to use unauthorized drugs sold by the company Purepillz. Four unauthorized products, “Peaq”, “Freq”, “PureRush”, and “PureSpun” are promoted on the company’s Web site as “social tonics” and are described as “safer legal alternatives to more dangerous street drugs.” The products contain benzylpiperazine (BZP) and 3-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (3-TFMPP), and may pose serious health risks. These products require eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label before they can be legally sold in Canada.

Currently, BZP and 3-TFMPP have no therapeutic uses. While BZP is frequently claimed to be a “natural” substance, it is not a natural health product. Both BZP and 3-TFMPP are synthetic substances that do not occur naturally. These substances may cause effects such as increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased euphoria, alertness and paranoia. When BZP and TFMPP are taken together and in high doses they have been reported to cause hallucinations, convulsions and slowed breathing. Health Canada is carrying out an assessment to determine whether it would be appropriate for these substances to be regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Health Canada has repeatedly asked Purepillz to remove these products from the market. The company has not complied and therefore Health Canada is taking enforcement action.

Health Canada advises consumers not to use Purepillz products or any drugs that have not received Health Canada approval. Health Canada also advises Canadians not to purchase these products from the Internet or from any other source. Canadians who have used Purepillz products and are concerned about their health should consult a health care professional.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada(s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada by one of the following methods:

The Canada Vigilance adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect Canada (www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect) area of the Health Canada Web site.